8 Best Beer Cities (And Must-Try Breweries) In America

Thirsting for your next vacation, but not sure where to go? Why not visit one of the best beer cities in the country!

Best Beer Cities in America

From the quaint side streets of Bar Harbor to the bustling neighborhoods of downtown Seattle, we’ve narrowed it down to eight amazing beer cities truly worth raising a glass to. Each spot has top-notch breweries with extensive lists of IPAs, pale ales, porters, pilsners, and more on tap. If you can name it, you can taste it in these destinations. While we can’t cover all the great craft breweries, we’re featuring our favorite in each city, so that you can spend more time tasting than planning.

Better yet, each of these destinations has a variety of vacation rentals from FlipKey to fit every budget and travel style. Whether you rent a luxurious condo in the heart of the city or an away-from-it-all cottage by the beach, we guarantee you’ll love having a comfortable home to retreat to after a fun-filled day at the brewery (and/or night at the bar!).

Historic landmarks, fiercely loyal sports fans, and lots of craft beers to choose from—a trip to Boston offers something for everyone. While well-known breweries like Sam Adams and Harpoon have helped put Boston on the map as one of the best beer cities in the country, Trillium Brewing Company has emerged as a local favorite. It’s a unique New England farmhouse-style brewery offering a variety of beers that satisfy every palate. This family-run spot is just off the beaten path in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood, so make sure not to miss it!

Before sampling the city’s thriving nightlife, take time to discover Boston’s famed attractions. Follow the Freedom Trail’s red-brick path through the city, catch a baseball game at the iconic Fenway Park, or find a park bench and watch the swan boats glide by in the Boston Public Garden. Your days are sure to fly by in this fast-paced city.

What better way to cool down and quench your thirst than by ordering an ice-cold glass of beer at Funky Buddha Brewery! Located in Oakland Park, this hip spot features tours of its funky brewhouse, a wide variety of bold craft beers, and a fabulous menu. Sample a Floridian Hefeweizen in the taproom, or fill up a growler of Eternal Summer to take home to your Oakland Park vacation home.

During your trip, venture just 15 minutes down the road to Fort Lauderdale where blue-green waters and world-class beaches await. Whether you swim in the shimmering Atlantic Ocean or shop on Las Olas Boulevard, this part of southern Florida will keep you busy from sun up until sun down.

Firehouse Brewing Company opened its doors in 1991 as South Dakota’s very first brew pub. The legendary spot, which is listed on the National Historic Register, has nine beers on tap at any given time, and there’s even an on-site winery for those who prefer a glass of red or white instead. Stay for a meal (and a live performance under the band-shell!), or pop into the taproom for a quick drink during your stay.

Beer fanatic or not, Rapid City is a fantastic destination to visit. It’s the ideal home base for travelers looking to tour the scenic Black Hills and the perfect spot if you’re simply looking to experience a taste of the Midwest.

What started as a small brewing operation run out of a garage is today Fulton Beer, one of the best breweries in downtown Minneapolis. At the taproom, you can sip on a cold one just 38 feet from where it was brewed, or pick up a Sweet Child of Vine six pack to enjoy in the comfort of your rental. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs or flavorful barleywines, there’s no shortage of bold brews to choose from at Fulton Beer.

It’d be impossible to talk about the best beer cities in the country without mentioning Minneapolis, but this Twin City is full of excitement. The Mall of America (just 15 minutes away) is an absolute must, while the city also boasts a thriving theater and arts scene. Perfect for weekend getaways or week-long vacations, Minneapolis is a superb destination to visit year-round.

Fremont Brewing is a family-owned Seattle brewery that’s been producing first-rate artisan beers for nearly 10 years. Here, brewing is done in small batches only using the finest local ingredients—so it’s no surprise that this hot spot makes Seattle one of the best beer cities in America. Sample pale ales, IPAs, oatmeal stouts, and more while you’re at Fremont Brewing.

Besides beer, it wouldn’t be a trip to Seattle without a stop at the original Starbucks for a brew of a different type. For a snack, head to Pike Place Market, a hub of mouthwatering eats and delicious scents. Book a private retreat on the water or a central apartment in the city, and make the most of your time in Seattle.

As new breweries keep opening up, San Diego has quickly emerged as one of the best beer cities in America. But, one in particular continues to stand out among the rest: Thorn Street Brewery. This local watering hole is dog-friendly and boasts a lineup of rotating nightly food trucks that are the perfect complement to the vast selection of craft brews on tap. Stop in for a quick pint or kick back and relax with friends in the large, open taproom.

You can’t visit San Diego and spend all your time indoors, though. Swim in the Pacific at La Jolla Shores Park, wander around Balboa Park, or people watch from your rental’s beachfront patio—the possibilities are endless!

While Boulder is undoubtedly an ideal destination for families, you ought to consider this sophisticated Colorado city for an adults-only getaway, too! It’s home to the award-winning Avery Brewing Company, which offers 30 “thoroughly American at heart” beers on tap—at all times! From year-round beers like the Belgian-style White Rascal to seasonal favorites such as the peach-flavored Perzik Saison, you’re sure to find something that will quench your thirst.

Of course, Boulder also has plenty to do to help you burn off those beer calories! Explore the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, bike along the river, or stroll around the University of Colorado’s flagship campus during your trip.

A quintessential New England beach town with some of the best beer in the region? You guessed it—we’re talking about Bar Harbor! It’s where you’ll find the Atlantic Brewing Company just minutes from the quaint cobblestone streets of downtown. Over the years, the brewery has grown from a small one-barrel operation to a 15 barrel-system that produces tasty pints of English-style beer.

Visit Bar Harbor for the beer, and stay for the salty air and pristine natural beauty. Sunbathing along the coast and strolling down the famous Shore Path are two or Bar Harbor’s simplest pleasures. Want to see more of the island? Head to Acadia National Park or hop in a kayak to discover this charming New England destination’s showstopping scenery.

Meg Bernazzani is a Content Marketing Associate at FlipKey. Meg's favorite trip was an 11-day drive across the country from California to Massachusetts. In addition to visiting many of the states within the U.S., Meg has also traveled to 8 different countries. When she's not traveling, Meg enjoys cooking and spending time at the beach.

FlipKey is a vacation rental marketplace with more than 240,000 rentals around the world. Find the perfect place to stay for your trip, and get great value along with the space, privacy and amenities of home.